PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE

Prescription Drug

A medication that can be obtained only by means of a physician’s prescription

Prescription drug abuse:

The use of a prescription drug in a way not intended by the prescribing doctor.

Abuse among teens

More 12-17 year olds abuse prescription drugs every day than cocaine, heroin, and meth combined

Over 2,000 teens abuse for their first time every day

Commonly abused

Stimulants

Sedatives/tranquilizers

Pain killers

Stimulants

A substance which raises psychological or nervous activity in ones body

Also called uppers Come in tablets or capsules Consumed by swallowing or snorting

Prescribed for: ADHD Narcolepsy Obesity

Short term effects of stimulants

The high: Increased alertness Increased energy

The down: Exhaustion Depression Apathy Paranoia Anxiety

Long term effects: liver damage, irregular heart beat

Sedatives and Tranquilizers

Sedative: a drug taken for its calming or sleep inducing effects

Also called downers, barbiturates Come in tablets or capsules Consumed by swallowing or snorting

Prescribed for: Anxiety Sleeplessness

Effects of sedatives

Slowed heart rate Slowed breathing Drowsiness Slurred speech Wobbly walk Dilated pupils Poor coordination Shaky hands Death

Sedatives

Highly addictive

Users develop a tolerance

Requires user to consume more and more

Easy to overdose Coma Death

Pain Killers

Pain Killer: a drug or medication for pain relief

Also called opiates Most common:

Vicodin Effects:

Slowed breathing Decreased heart rate Pupils become very small twitchy

Prescription drug addiction

When a person tries to kick an addiction to this type of drug, they must consult a medical professional. Cold-turkey withdrawal from sedatives can result in convulsions, delirium and death. A person may require a stay in a medical detoxification program before he or she can go to a drug rehab for recovery. http://www.narconon.org/drug-abuse/effects-of-sedatives.html

How can you prevent prescription drug abuse?

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about your medication, especially if you are unsure about its effects.

Keep your doctor informed about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications.

Read the information your pharmacist provides before starting to take medications.

Take your medication(s) as prescribed. Keep all prescription medications secured at all

times and properly dispose of any unused medications.

Daily Quiz

1. In a complete sentence please define prescription drug abuse in your own words

2. What are the three main types of prescription drugs that are abused?

3. What are three health risks associated with prescription drug abuse?